Free Desire Part Two (The Desire Series Book 2) by Ava Alexia Page A

that she was upset with Whit. Could it be that Whit had rejected her plans for them? Raquel had not told him about her wish to marry Whit but he knew Raquel. He could see from the beginning of their affair that Raquel wanted Whit for a husband. Oh, she pretended to go along with a casual, sex only friendship but he knew better. He could see her desire for him from the moment she laid eyes on him…..and he knew she was doomed for disappointment. He had even warned her of the outcome to no avail. But Raquel was stubborn, spoiled. She felt that she was entitled to whatever she wanted which was a problem because she wanted a man who didn’t want her. Whit was a seasoned bachelor who was comfortable with his lifestyle. He would not change for any woman….including Raquel. Raquel was now beginning to feel the pangs of disillusionment and it was not a pretty sight. He sat there quietly and sipped his cognac. It wouldn’t be long before Raquel sought his help. Raquel stopped pacing in the middle of the room and turned sharply to face her father.
    “Father, I want you to encourage Whit that it would be in his best interest to marry me,” she said bluntly.
    “What if that is not what he wants, Raquel?’ Howard asked mildly.
    “I’m sure you can make him see the benefits complying,” Raquel retorted.
    “Marriage is a life-long commitment. A man has to make that choice for himself,” Howard said.
    “It is a choice that I want. Surely you would not deny me my heart’s desire,” Raquel said persuasively.
    “It is not for me to grant your wish. Whit must do that himself. After all, he would be the one putting the ring on your finger,” Howard said.
    Raquel was shocked by her father’s words. He had never refused her.
    “You will not help me? How could you be so cruel, Father?” Raquel cried.
    “I am not being cruel, Raquel. But it is time you faced the fact that marriage to Whit was never in the cards for you. It is best to let the affair die graciously,” Howard encouraged.
    “It wasn’t just a fly by night affair. We have a relationship; a lasting relationship that should consummate in marriage. I will accept nothing less,” Raquel said angrily.
    “Then you are destined to heartbreak my dear daughter. Whit does not want to marry you and I will not try to force his hand,” Howard replied.
    “How dare you not help me? I am your only child. Who else puts up with your peculiar idiosyncrasies? Mother certainly doesn’t. She would rather live on the other side of the world than to deal with you. Either you aid me with this or you’ll never see me again,” Raquel shouted.
    Howard stood and approached Raquel. He stopped a foot in front of her. She could smell the cognac on his breath.
    “Remember, to whom you speak. Do not threaten me. For it will be you who shall suffer from your ill-spoken words,” Howard said sternly.
    Raquel gasped and took a step back from him. She glared at him then ran from the room. Howard refilled his cognac glass then returned to his seat to gaze out the window at the New York traffic. He smiled slowly. Perhaps Raquel needed a reminder of who owed whom.
     
    *****
     
    Maddie observed the lovely passing scenery in awe. The open jeep sped along the sometimes uneven dirt road at a rapid pace. Maddie held tightly to the seat in front of her to remain rooted in place. At one pointed the jeep hit a rut in the road and Madison was propelled upward, hitting her head on the roof. Whit laughed hilariously at her outraged face but finally composed himself enough to ask of well-being. Maddie had to laugh as well and told him she was fine. But aside from the bumpy ride the view of the ocean was breathtaking. 
    “I can’t believe I’ll be living in this paradise for even a short period of time. It’s beauty is indescribable,” she said.
    “The magnificence of this place astounds me every time I come,” Whit said.
    “You’ve been here before?” Maddie asked.
    “Yes. I’ve had the good